Recent reports indicate that Asus' latest Q-Release Slim feature, designed for easy GPU removal, may inadvertently cause damage to PCIe connectors. This issue primarily affects Intel and AMD 800-series motherboards, raising concerns among PC enthusiasts and professionals.
What’s the Issue?
The Q-Release Slim mechanism, introduced as an evolution of Asus' original Q-Release feature, allows users to eject their GPU by tilting and pulling it upward. While this simplifies GPU removal, reports from industry insiders such as HXL and Andreas Schilling from HardwareLuxx suggest that repeated use may lead to physical damage. Specifically, scraping along the edges of the PCIe connector has been observed, though no broken PCIe gold fingers have been reported so far.
For more details, check out Andreas Schilling’s report and VideoCardz’s coverage.
Uniko’s Hardware speculates that the problem stems from a design flaw in Asus' implementation. A metallic component on the PCIe slot appears to rub against the GPU’s connector, causing gradual wear over multiple insertions and removals. This is particularly concerning for hardware reviewers and overclockers who frequently swap GPUs.
(Image credit: Uniko's Hardware )
A Growing Concern for High-End GPU Owners
The timing of these reports is especially alarming, coinciding with the anticipation of Nvidia's rumored RTX 5090, a flagship GPU expected to cost around $2,000. While the damage reported so far is mostly cosmetic, visible wear on the connector could negatively impact resale value. An image shared by users shows noticeable deterioration after approximately 60 removals.
What Can You Do?
As of now, Asus has yet to release an official statement addressing this issue. If you own an affected motherboard, consider the following precautions:
Limit unnecessary GPU removals to prevent excessive wear.
When removing the GPU, do so gently to minimize friction.
If possible, use an alternative PCIe slot.
Contact Asus customer support if you notice any damage.
While not all users may experience this issue, the reports highlight a potential flaw in Asus' Q-Release Slim design. Whether this is an isolated case or a widespread concern remains to be seen, but PC builders and enthusiasts should be aware of the risks. If you're planning a build or frequently swap GPUs, you might want to consider alternative motherboard options or handle your hardware with extra care.
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